Looking for funding to start or grow your business in Texas? Unlike traditional loans, business grants provide women entrepreneurs with funding they don’t have to repay. Opportunities are available through Texas-based organizations and national programs open to women-owned businesses nationwide.
Because grant amounts, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can change, it is important to apply early and carefully follow all application instructions. Competition can be intense, especially for well-known programs, but the awards make it worth the effort.
If you are ready to take the next step, here are some of the top business grants for women in Texas to help support and grow your enterprise.
Note: Many business grants for women in Texas are open for a limited period and may only accept applications once or twice a year. If you find a program that fits your business, consider joining its email list or following its updates so you don’t miss the next application cycle.
Texas Woman’s University StartHER Grant
The StartHER Grant is offered by Texas Woman’s University (TWU) through its Center for Women Entrepreneurs. It provides grants of up to $5,000 to support existing Texas women-owned businesses. To be eligible, your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
To get started, visit TWU and locate the StartHER Grant program page. Read and understand the guidelines, and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. Send your application when the grant cycle opens.
Tip: Many grant applications ask founders to explain how the funding will support future growth. Having a clear plan for the money can make your application more convincing. Learn how to explain the “use of funds” in business grant applications.
Texas Women’s Foundation Community Grant Cycle
The Texas Women’s Foundation runs a Community Grant Cycle that supports organizations that improve women’s economic security and stability. The Foundation is currently accepting applications and offers grants of up to $40,000. This funding is typically for nonprofits serving women, girls, and families in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and surrounding counties. Women entrepreneurs can benefit from programs funded by this grant. Visit Texas Women’s Foundation’s grants page, review the 2026 guidelines, and apply through the official portal.
Inspiring Women Today EntrepreneuHER Micro-Grant
The Inspiring Women Today (IWT)’s EntrepreneuHER Micro-Grant supports women founders in Texas by awarding two $500 microgrants to two deserving women. This program is helpful for early-stage business owners who need a small boost for business expenses like supplies, marketing, or basic equipment. This grant program might not offer substantial funding, but it’s a good starting point, especially if you’ve never applied before.
Visit Inspiring Women Today’s Texas grants page. Review the EntrepreneuHER Micro-Grant requirements and submit your application through the official process listed.
Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge
The Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, offered by the Midland Development Corporation, is a Texas-based grant competition that awards a total of $500,000 to local entrepreneurs. Upon entering the challenge, you get access to one-on-one business coaching, and if you choose to go through the challenge, you stand a chance to win a share of the $500,000. Please note that you must pay a $ 350 fee to participate in the competition. If you are based in Midland and can explain your business idea clearly and compete in a structured process, you should give this program a try.
To get started, visit the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge website. Register during the open application window, attend required sessions, and submit materials by deadlines.
Tip: Pitch competitions often reward founders who can clearly communicate the problem they solve, their business opportunity, and their vision for growth. Learn how to turn your business story into a fundable narrative.
Texas Department of Agriculture State Trade Program (STEP) Grant
Whether your business is already exporting or you want to move in that direction, STEP can help you realise your goals. The program aims to increase the number of entrepreneurs exporting products and enhance the value of exports for those already operating globally. If you are looking for business grants for women in Texas, you can get financial support from STEP. It’s currently closed, and updates on future funding will be communicated on the TDA website.
Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant
Texas Woman’s University runs a Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant program through its Center for Women Entrepreneurs. The initiative supports Texas women veterans who either own businesses or plan to launch one. Depending on the funding cycle, selected applicants may receive grants ranging up to $5,000 to help with equipment, inventory, marketing, technology, and other business expenses.
What makes this program especially useful is that it combines funding with training and mentorship support, giving women veterans more than just financial assistance.
To apply, visit Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs website, review the Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant requirements, and submit your application during the official grant cycle.
Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition
The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition is open to women entrepreneurs across the United States, including founders in Texas. The competition awards cash funding (ranging between $5,000 and $25,000), mentorship, and investor exposure to women-led businesses at different growth stages. It can be a great fit for entrepreneurs who are confident in presenting their business idea and explaining how their company plans to grow.
Beyond the funding itself, the competition also gives founders visibility and networking opportunities that can open doors long after the event ends.
To get started, visit the Women Founders Network website, review the Fast Pitch Competition rules and deadlines, and submit your application during the active cycle.
Texas Grant Portal Listings for Women
The Texas Grant Portal lists funding opportunities, including business grants for women in Texas. This is a directory, not a funding source, but it can help women entrepreneurs discover new programs more quickly. Since grant details can change, it is important to confirm the award amount and eligibility rules on the official funder’s website before applying. This resource is useful when you want to expand your grant search beyond the most popular programs.
To get started, visit the Texas Grant Portal and locate the Texas Women’s Grants section. Search for opportunities that match your business goals, and apply on the official funder’s website listed in the post.
Hello Alice, “Fund Her Future” Grant
The Fund Her Future Grant is hosted on Hello Alice and funded by Block Advisors, a brand of H&R Block. The program awards up to $100,000 grant to six recipients, plus a year of exceptional business services. While this is not Texas-specific, it is a great funding opportunity for eligible women-owned businesses and is worth considering. Because it can be competitive, preparing early is important.
Visit the Hello Alice Fund Her Future grant page, review eligibility rules and deadlines, and apply through the official application link.
Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI)
Cartier Women’s Initiative is among the global free grants for women business owners, and U.S.-based founders are eligible to apply as long as they meet the requirements. It focuses on supporting businesses that create measurable environmental impact, such as helping communities, improving health, or solving social challenges. The program grants winners, depending on the award placement; the first-place awardee receives $100,000. The second and third-place awardees receive $60,000 and $30,000, respectively.
While it is competitive and requires a detailed application, it can be an excellent opportunity for Texas-based female entrepreneurs with a clear mission and a growth plan.
To get started, visit the Cartier Women’s Initiative official website. Review eligibility requirements and apply during the official open application window.
FedEx Small Business Grants Contest
FedEx offers a well-known Small Business Grant Contest open to U.S. businesses, including women-owned businesses in Texas. The grand prize winner receives $30,000, and the program also awards three additional $13,000 grants as “Special Mentions.”
This contest can be a great opportunity for Texas women entrepreneurs who can clearly explain their business model, impact, and how funding would ensure sustainable growth.
To apply, visit the official FedEx Small Business Grant Contest page when applications open, complete the required form, follow all contest guidelines, and submit before the deadline.
Securing funding to launch a business idea or support an existing business’s operations can be challenging, yes. But with careful planning and preparation, you can win any of the available business grants for women in Texas. Our guides on how to find business grants for women and how to write a small business grant proposal have found tips that’ll bring you close to a free funding opportunity and help propel your venture forward.
Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant is among the most well-known business grants for women and is open to founders in Texas. The program awards three $10,000 grants every month, plus three additional $50,000 annual year-end grants. The program runs year-round and accepts a wide range of women-owned businesses, including startups. It’s a strong backup option when Texas-only grants are limited or closed.
To apply, visit the Women’s Net website and locate the Amber Grant for Women page. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and fill out the application form, which requires a clear explanation of your business and how you’ll use the grant. Submit before the monthly deadline.
Note: A clear and organized application can make it easier for reviewers to understand your business goals and growth plans. See how to structure a business plan that attracts funding.
IFundWomen Grants
IFundWomen by Honeycomb is one of the best platforms for sourcing free funding for your business, whether you’re launching or expanding. These grants are made available through partnerships with Poker Power, Visa, and Angel City Football Club, among others. Women founders in Texas can use IFundWomen to find additional funding opportunities beyond local programs and apply directly through the platform.
To get started, visit IFundWomen’s grants page, check eligibility for the grant you want to apply for, and submit your application before the deadline.
Other Useful Resources for Women Business Owners in Texas
LiftFund Small Business Programs
LiftFund is another Texas-based nonprofit that supports small business owners through funding access, educational programs, and entrepreneur support services. Although many of its programs focus on loans rather than direct grants, women entrepreneurs can still benefit from business training, mentorship, and funding opportunities connected to local Texas initiatives.
For founders who need guidance alongside funding support, LiftFund can be a helpful resource because it focuses heavily on long-term business sustainability and growth.
Visit the LiftFund website to explore current business programs, workshops, and funding support available to Texas entrepreneurs.
Texas Governor’s Office Small Business Resources
The Texas Governor’s Office offers a wide range of resources for small business owners through its Office of Small Business Assistance. While it doesn’t directly offer business grants for women in Texas, it can still be a valuable resource for female founders looking for funding information, business guidance, licensing support, webinars, and growth assistance.
One useful feature is the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal, which helps entrepreneurs find customized resources based on their business stage and needs. The site also provides information on financing and capital programs, women-owned business resources, public procurement opportunities, and free educational webinars for small business owners across Texas.
To get started, visit the Texas Governor’s Office small business page, explore the available funding and business support resources, and use the Small Business Resource Portal to find programs relevant to your business goals.
Tip: The best funding opportunities are not always the most widely advertised. Local business resources can help you discover grants that may be a better fit for your business stage and goals. Explore more strategies for finding business grants for women.
PeopleFund Women-Owned Business Support Programs
PeopleFund is a Texas-based nonprofit organization that helps small business owners access funding, coaching, and educational support. While it is best known for microloans and business assistance programs, it also connects women entrepreneurs with funding opportunities and business development resources designed to help underserved founders grow sustainable companies.
This can be especially valuable for Texas women entrepreneurs who want local support instead of relying only on highly competitive national grant programs.
To get started, visit the PeopleFund website and review current small business support programs, funding resources, and educational opportunities available in Texas.
North Texas SBDC Small Business
The North Texas Small Business Development Center has a grant resource page that helps business owners find updated grant opportunities, including Texas-based options. This is not a grant program itself, but it saves women entrepreneurs time by consolidating current grants and deadlines in one place. It can also help you find opportunities beyond the most common national grants, especially if you are searching for local and regional Texas programs.
Business grants for women in Texas continue to open doors for founders across different industries and stages of growth. While competition is high, there are still meaningful opportunities for women who take the time to understand what each program is looking for and prepare thoughtful applications. From local initiatives to national funding programs, these grants remain an important part of supporting women-led businesses across the state.
